    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [October 5, 2004]
    [Page 2371]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on Legislation To Reinstate
    the Draft
    October 5, 2004

        I applaud the House of Representatives for soundly rejecting the
    ``Reinstate the Draft'' bill, sponsored by Congressman Rangel in the House and Senator Hollings in the Senate. If this bill were presented to me, I
    would veto it. America's all-volunteer military is the best in the
    world, and reinstating the draft would be bad policy. We have increased
    pay and benefits to ensure that our troops have the resources they need
    to fight and win the war on terror. I want every American to understand
    that, as long as I am President, there will be no draft.

    Note: The statement referred to H.R. 163.